One Texas. One Tennis: Milton A. Brown

One Texas. One Tennis. is a series highlighting the many faces, voices and experiences of Texas Tennis. Everyone is welcome on the tennis court and when we’re open, we’re at our best. On courts across Texas, every player has a story and those stories show the true diversity and strength of our tennis community. Want to share your story: CLICK HERE

Milton A. Brown's tennis journey is a powerful example of discovery, resilience, and the impact of community. Coming to the sport at 46, after years devoted to basketball and running, he found in tennis not just a new athletic outlet, but a lifelong passion. What began as a simple introduction from a friend quickly grew into a deep commitment, shaped by mentors, teammates, and a welcoming Houston tennis community. From drilling with a trusted coach to leading teams and fostering connections across diverse groups of players, Milton has embraced tennis as more than a game—it’s a source of purpose, growth, and belonging.

USTA Texas: How did you first get involved in tennis, and what kept you coming back to the court?

Milton A. Brown: I was 46 years old, and tennis was not on my radar.vI had recently returned to Houston from living in Jackson, Mississippi for a little over three years, and basketball, which was my first love, was starting to remind me regularly of basketball being a game for young men. I needed to find a new sport. As an avid sports fan, I followed tennis in passing, and the majors would get my attention, but I slowly became fanatical about the sport.

A very good friend, Dorothy Ricketts, introduced me to the sport in the form of really a reintroduction, because on previous occasions, I had ignored tennis. Participating in basketball, and later running, took all of my time. And although I had other friends in the past attempt to get me to play, I simply wasn't interested. Dorothy introduced me to Ann Eaton, USTA legend in her age group for many years, a coach and a pro who still teaches currently at the Homer Ford Tennis Center in Houston, Texas, and she is my self proclaimed "Tennis Mom". I started drilling and taking lessons from Coach Eaton, and she instilled in me a love for the game and life.

USTA Texas: Who in the tennis community has had the biggest impact on your journey? And why?

Brown: It was at the Homer Ford Tennis Center I discovered a number of people who loved the game and the culture, the culture of tennis, their culture, and just being positive about a game that brought so many folks joy. Players who were older were considerably better, including my coach, and I learned tennis was a sport for life.

I met Joe Carper, who was involved in captaining men's 3.5 teams out of Homer Ford Tennis Center. He took an interest in my desire to get better, and I offered to help him with captaining responsibilities. Joe is my version of a tennis father. He is my "Tennis Father". He equipped me to captain and turned me loose, and as a result, I have captained teams for many years out of both the Homer Ford Tennis Center as well as the Lee LeClear Tennis Center, both in Houston, Texas.

I learned tennis families had many faces. I learned tennis could include my face and any preconceived notions I may have had about tennis were quickly dispelled when I started playing regularly at Homer Ford. As my game started to develop and my desire to meet other players increased, I participated in flex leagues, tournaments, mixers, and USTA recreational play. I simply wanted to be on the court as much as possible.

USTA Texas: What is one lesson tennis has taught you that you carry with you off the court?

Brown: Tennis has given me insights into my character I may not have discovered in its absence. 

As such, I carry these things with me to the court and life:

I am thankful to God for my health and the opportunity to play (or participate in something). I don't intend to get hurt. I want to get my exercise in, work hard each time, and get in a good workout. I want to work on a specific aspect of my game (or craft if not tennis). I want to have fun. I want to win (or get positive results).

But if I don't get a win, and I'm still doing those other things, I am still winning.

USTA Texas: What is it about the tennis community that helps people from different backgrounds connect?

Brown: Tennis is like other sports in this respect, especially in a team context. Connection can start with capability. In other words, can you play? But I also found another aspect, and that is, are you sincerely interested in learning how to play? Whether it's a child or a young person or adult or senior, if there is willingness to learn, someone in the tennis community is willing to step in or redirect as needed.

I've seen children as young as toddlers, and adults in their 80s still learning the sport. I have captained and been parts of teams cutting across multiple races, cultures and ethnicities. I have not personally observed any type of discrimination on any level. Tennis is inclusive because it connects young and old, black, white, brown or other, straight or gay, male and female, skilled and unskilled, physically able and disabled.